The final month of 2024 saw the 2024/25 season reach its halfway stage, and there was plenty of action for on-loan U’s to get crucial minutes in the legs.
Junior Eccleston featured in all four of Walton & Hersham’s games during December, contributing to victories over Bracknell Town and Marlow. Most notably however, Eccleston found himself controversially sent off early on into the Boxing Day fixture against league leaders Merthyr Town, seeing red after just six minutes for what looked like a superb last-ditch challenge. The decision has since been rescinded.
Meanwhile, Jay Williams featured on the opposing team, coming off the bench midway through the second half against the Swans, and played his part in sealing a 5-2 victory that extended the gap on second place. Williams had also featured three times throughout December including one start, this being in a 3-2 win over Taunton Town as the Martyrs look to affirm their position at the top of the Southern Premier League South, and the Welsh side ended 2024 undefeated. Jay would receive an early Christmas present as well, with his loan deal being extended until the end of the season on Christmas Eve.
Moving up the pyramid, Jack Taylor is continuing to gain invaluable experience in the National League South with Hampton & Richmond Borough. Jack has now made more appearances for the Beavers than any other outfield player this season, and his form hasn’t gone unnoticed with an inclusion in the Vanarama National League South’s ‘Team of the Half-Season’. Alan Julian’s side went undefeated during December, with three draws alongside a 3-2 victory over Chelmsford City, as well as starting the month with a comprehensive win over Hashtag United that saw the Beavers progress to the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy, where they are set to host Spennymoor Town this Saturday.
Over in Staffordshire, Jack Rose featured just once for Hednesford Town in December, featuring in the Pitmen’s 4-2 loss against Bootle. Hednesford currently sit eighth in the Southern Premier League Central.
Finally, there was plenty of loan action for the academy across steps three and four. George Vorster and Liam Moore both continued to gain senior experience with Ashford Town, making three and four appearances for the Tangerines respectively, as well as popping up with a goal each in a 3-3 draw with Woking-based outfit Westfield.
Elsewhere in the Isthmian South Central, Vinnie Tume continued to gain experience with South Park Reigate and started in all five games for the Sparks in December. In addition, Joden Trickett also featured in all five of Harrow Borough’s games in December, including two starts.
